International Giant Otter Studbook Husbandry and Management
International Giant Otter Studbook Husbandry and Management
International Giant Otter Studbook Husbandry and Management
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<strong>and</strong> frequency after each toileting/elimination should be closely observed <strong>and</strong> recorded to help<br />
determine cub health <strong>and</strong> h<strong>and</strong>rearing effectiveness. For example, this can indicate if <strong>and</strong> how<br />
much a formula needs to be adjusted or even totally changed (esp. with newly introduced<br />
formulas) or if the feeding frequency / techniques, formula preparation techniques, <strong>and</strong>/or<br />
amount fed is inappropriate.<br />
Stools should be very softly formed into a definitive shape <strong>and</strong> golden yellow in color when<br />
milk formula is fed. The stools’ surface can also appear shiny <strong>and</strong> translucent, as if the stool is<br />
covered by a very thin layer of translucent jelly. The stool, although, should not appear greasy<br />
(see below). When cubs are gradually switched from mother’s milk to an artificial milk<br />
replacer, it is normal that the cubs’ stool color may slowly change as the new formula strength is<br />
gradually increased (see below for abnormal color changes). During weaning, stool color will<br />
darken <strong>and</strong> its consistency <strong>and</strong> texture will change. When weaned to a total fish diet, stool will<br />
appear dark in color with a green or black hue, <strong>and</strong> sometimes have white, yellow, or green<br />
mucous blobs. Stool may be loosely formed or unformed but should be very thick in<br />
consistency (i.e. like thick oatmeal with a rough texture from fish scales etc.). If stools look<br />
otherwise in color or form/consistency, problems may exist. Certain odors or changes in urine<br />
or stool odor can also indicate problems.<br />
Milk replacer formulas too strong in dilution could cause loose stool (stool with little or no<br />
form or pudding-like consistency), diarrhea, or liquid/runny stool. This is a common<br />
problem, especially when new formulas are introduced too quickly. Usually diluting the<br />
formula with electrolyte solutions for general use or water will help reduce diarrhea <strong>and</strong><br />
rehydrate the cub (see Section 2). Diarrhea can cause bloating (i.e. a tight distended abdomen),<br />
abdominal cramping, flatulence, digestion problems, <strong>and</strong> dehydration, <strong>and</strong> if continued <strong>and</strong><br />
severe, possibly death. Other h<strong>and</strong>rearing practices (e.g. non-sanitary conditions, using dirty<br />
feeding apparatuses or improperly stored formulas etc.) or health problems can also cause<br />
diarrhea.<br />
Black <strong>and</strong> tarry (although this could be normal for some otters a day or two after their birth),<br />
bright green, white, or cream stool color or stool excessively greasy/shiny in appearance<br />
indicates possible milk formula inadequacy or cub health problems unrelated to formulas.<br />
Bright or dark red blood in the stool also indicates problems. Bright red blood (often on the top<br />
layer of stool) could indicate an irritation to the rectum/bowels from diarrhea or straining to<br />
defecate. Dark red blood, especially that which is mixed in <strong>and</strong> throughout the stool, can<br />
indicate a very serious health problem (i.e. internal bleeding) <strong>and</strong> medical treatment is needed<br />
immediately. Immediately after a 7 day old giant otter cub at Dortmund Zoo was removed from<br />
its parents for h<strong>and</strong>rearing, it eliminated softly formed dark green stools (Sykes-Gatz, pers.<br />
obs.). This stool resulted from mother’s milk, although it is important to note that this cub died<br />
of an inherited thyroid malfunction at 11 days old, which may have affected its stool color. The<br />
cub although did not appear underweight at the time it was pulled, but it was significantly<br />
injured. Additionally, just after a 3 day old giant otter cub at Dortmund Zoo was removed from<br />
its parents for h<strong>and</strong>rearing, it eliminated softly formed dark green stools (Sykes-Gatz, pers.<br />
obs.). This stool resulted from mother’s milk <strong>and</strong> the cub died on the same day from a severe<br />
infection. (This cub had different (although still related) parents than the last cub just<br />
aforementioned above <strong>and</strong> it is assumed that it did not have an inherited thyroid malfunction.)<br />
<strong>Otter</strong> cubs usually urinate <strong>and</strong> defecate (simultaneously) several times a day, usually before or<br />
after every to every other feeding <strong>and</strong>/or corresponding toileting. (See toileting stimulation in<br />
Section 4.) If cubs do not defecate (constipation) <strong>and</strong>/or urinate after two or more<br />
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